Mr. Billy Wright Coleman

Billy Wright Coleman, age 97, passed away on December 3, 2018, in Starkville, MS. He was born November 27, 1921, in Union County to the late Frank Madison and Naomi Wright Coleman. However, he spent most of his boyhood in Lowndes County when his family moved there in the early 1930s. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served during World War II in the Pacific theater. His military decorations included the Asia-Pacific Theater of Operations Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, World War II Victory Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star. Billy often reminisced about his comrades from the war and marveled at their ingenuity and resourcefulness in difficult and extreme situations. He shared many stories of the good will and kindness of strangers that he experienced while in the Army. After the war, he married his bride Jean Cox in Lowndes County on March 25,1950, and she preceded him in death on November 27, 2009. Together they settled in the Tibbee community in rural Clay County operating a dairy farm, raising cattle, growing various crops, and rearing three children affectionately known as “The Three R’s”. A member of First Presbyterian Church, Billy enjoyed attending services there and staying connected to lifelong friends. An early riser, he enjoyed having coffee with fellow farmers and friends at Mize’s Restaurant, Moore’s Restaurant, and the Tin Lizzie in West Point. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a beloved daughter Rachel Jean Coleman, brothers Leland Coleman and Paul Coleman, and a half-brother Pete Butler. Services will be held Thursday, December 6, 2018, at 11:00 AM from First Presbyterian Church, EPC in West Point with visitation prior to the service from 9:30 to 11:00 AM. Reverend Brandon Bates will officiate. Burial with United States Army Military Honors will follow in Memorial Gardens Park in Starkville. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. He leaves to cherish his memory a son Ronald Paul Coleman (Elen) of Royal Oak, Michigan, a daughter Rene Coleman Hunt (Mark) of Starkville, and a grandson Davis Martin Hunt (Megan) of Byhalia. He also leaves his loyal canine companion Kelly. Pallbearers will be Davis Hunt, David Cox, Joe Cox, Wally McGee, Glen Coleman, and Alan Coleman. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Drew Anthony and staff at Starkville Family Practice, Oktibbeha County Hospital 2nd/3rd floor nurses and staff, and the staff at Bee Hive Homes of Starkville for their excellent care, kindness, and support. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Post Office Box 366, West Point, MS or to the charity of choice. Friends may leave an online condolence at www.calvertfuneralhome.com